Swimming Pools

The Building (Pools) Amendment Act aims to protect young children from the dangers of unfenced swimming pools. Private swimming pools are the single most significant water hazard for pre-school children. Studies in New Zealand and overseas have shown that most drownings are amongst the children of pool owners and legitimate visitors, rather than wandering children. Therefore a boundary fence is not a satisfactory safety measure.

What pools need to be registered?

It is a requirement that all swimming pools are registered. Many will also need a building consent in order to comply with the Building Act.

How do I register?

Complete the registration form and return it to us along with the $135 fee which covers one site visit to ensure compliance with the Act.

I have a boundary fence – will this do?

No. Under the Act, the fence must enclose the immediate pool area only.The Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 defines immediate pool area. Immediate pool area means the land in or which the pool is situated and so much of the surrounding area as is used for activities carried out in relation to or involving the pool.

The immediate pool area includes:

The pool.

Any paved area around the pool.

Any sitting area by the pool.

Changing room.

Gardens and lawn, if they are obviously part of the pool area and there is a reasonable amount of yard area left outside the fence.

Any activities that are used in association with the pool.

The immediate pool area does not include:

Clotheslines and access paths.

Vegetable gardens.

General storage sheds, tool sheds or garages.

The entire rear yard.

Children's sand pits, play areas or equipment not used in conjunction with the pool.

Do I need a building consent for my pool or fence?

Yes, the Building Act requires that building consents be obtained for all new swimming pools and for any alterations to existing swimming pools and their barriers/fences.

What happens after I advise you about my pool?

We will check your proposal (a pre-issue site visit may occur at this stage). When your building consent is approved, you may proceed with the installation of your pool, and then we will inspect the site to ensure the pool fencing complies with the legislation. A fully complying, permanent or temporary fence must be in place prior to the pool being filled.

What if my fence doesn’t meet the requirements of the Act?

The inspector will let you know what you need to do to make the fence comply. Until it does comply, the pool must be drained immediately or a fully complying temporary fence erected.

What are the requirements of the Act?

Pool barrier requirements are set out in F9/AS1, F9/AS2 restricting access to residential pools, and F4 Safety from falling (all Building Code Clauses).

Ongoing inspection programme

The Building (Pools) Amendment Act requires every territorial authority must ensure residential pools are inspected at least once every 3 years.

The charge for this has been set at $135 per inspection and is charged proportionally via the property rates account, however, re-inspections for non-complying pools and their fences/barriers incur a fee of $97.